Name of Ra

By Kelsey Ketch

“Set has risen.”

After being on the run from a psychotic cult for a week, Natara “Natti” Stone has finally come to realize she and Seth are the only two people standing between the Sons of Set and the secret name of Ra. Holding a part of the key that unlocks Ra’s power, they relocate to a more isolated location in the California mountains. While laying low, Natti becomes even more determined to understand her mother’s bloodline and her blessing from the goddess, Isis. But when she starts seeing the truth behind her destiny, she begins to doubt her role in the events that are about to unfold.

Then the unthinkable happens . . .

All Seth O’Keefe wanted was to get Natti as far away from his father and the Sons of Set as possible. Unfortunately, after hearing of Natti’s destiny from Isis’s own lips, he realizes they have bigger issues to worry about. Especially when one stupid slip up leads the god of chaos himself straight to their doorstep. Now Natti is the god’s prisoner, and Set holds the key to unlocking the location of the secret name of Ra. Can Seth save Natti from her own destiny and thwart the demented god’s rise to power?

*Note: Content for Upper YA*

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelsey Ketch
• Release date: Nov 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310191282

Kelsey Ketch

Kelsey Ketch is a young-adult/new-adult author, who works as a Wildlife Biologist and Data Analyst. During her free time, she can often be found working on her latest work in progress. She also enjoys history, mythology, traveling, and reading.For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

Book preview

ONE

A low clattering noise jerked Seth from his uneasy slumber. Sean couldn’t possibly have found them. Seth had been so careful to cover their trail. But with the memory of Natti being cornered and tortured in Lone Pine still fresh in his thoughts, Seth’s paranoia was at an all-time high. His muscles tensed, and his heart rate accelerated. The sound continued to move closer, making the hairs on the back of his neck rise.

Natti stirred and softly muttered Seth’s name, which ignited the flame inside his heart. The beast yipped and snarled while Seth let his magical charm—the blessing from his god, Set—seep into Natti’s light bronze skin, easing her back into a blissful slumber. He then reached beneath her head, dragged his Glock 38 out from under the pillow, and released the safety on the gun.

Housekeeping.

Releasing a deep breath, Seth relaxed. Cautiously, he tucked the gun back under his pillow. Just a sec, he called as loud as he dared. He pulled on his discarded Calvin Klein pajama bottoms, prowled toward the hotel room door, and opened it. A tall, anorexic woman with chocolate-colored skin greeted him with an apologetic smile.

Housekeeping, she repeated. Her honey-colored eyes drifted over Seth’s bare chest. The beast inside him purred. Would you like me to clean the room?

Suppressing the beast’s urges, Seth used his blessing to draw the woman into his spell. Actually, my girlfriend is still sleeping, he said in a hushed voice, his words stoking the flame within him. He glanced over his shoulder. Would you mind coming back later?

Of course not.

Thanks.

The woman nodded and glided the cart toward the next door. The beast growled, wanting to fall back on its old habits. But as long as Natti was by Seth’s side, he didn’t need—nor did he desire—anyone else. Taking the Do Not Disturb sign from the inside handle, he slipped it into the key slot and very gently closed the door while thanking the gods.

False alarm, he reassured himself. Not that it did much for his jittery nerves. The next time they might not be so lucky. His father made his intentions clear in Death Valley. He planned to erase Seth entirely from this existence and murdered Seth’s mother for a start.

As he turned around, his eyes fell back on Natti. Her breaths were deep and steady under the thin sheet while her lips pulled back in a semi-smile. Seth crawled into the king-size bed and slipped his arms around her once more. A bit of his excitement and power slipped under Natti’s skin. She shivered and moaned before unconsciously rolling over and resting her cheek on his shoulder. Seth captured her hand, placing it above his heart.

When Natti whispered yes earlier that morning, Seth had momentarily stopped breathing. He had been waiting for so long, he didn’t believe his ears. Yet she actually said yes. There was no way he was letting that opportunity slip from his grasp. Especially when Natti’s body and magic created the perfect distraction from the looming threat of Isis’s prophecy and the grief he carried from his mother’s death.

Seth locked his arms around Natti’s waist and pressed her firmly against his abdomen. Her soft scent of lotus and rose eased his troubled mind into sleep. Later, he awoke to a sharp pressure on his injured ribs and a familiar chill that sent goose bumps over every inch of his skin. A pair of violet eyes greeted him, their silvery flecks making them appear like amethyst clusters. A sweet smile played on rose-colored lips while Natti’s index finger traced the nook at the base of his throat. Shifting, he stroked her wavy, jet-black hair and pulled it strand by strand over her shoulder. She quivered under his touch, closing her eyes momentarily before looking at him again.

"Good morning, merut," he whispered.

It’s four in the afternoon.

Seth groaned as Natti’s thigh slipped between his legs.

Why do you call me that? she asked, her beautiful British accent enchanting him. "‘Merut’? What does it mean?"

Seth ran his fingers through his hair and leaned the back of his head on top of his hand. It’s ancient Egyptian. His mouth became dry, and his pulse raced. The beast snarled as the flame’s heat intensified. It means ‘beloved woman.’

Natti’s cheeks burned a deep crimson. I like it, she whispered. But I’m sure you call all the girls you coax into your bed the same thing, yeah?

Though her words stung like lemon juice on a paper cut, he forced a confident Cheshire Cat grin. Not all.

Natti’s blush deepened, and she buried her face into the nook of Seth’s shoulder. Chuckling to himself, Seth carefully stroked his thumb along her arm. She kissed the sensitive skin between his neck and shoulder, and the chill of her magic radiated through his body.

And here I thought the British had higher standards, he teased.

He could feel Natti’s smile. I must have had a momentary lapse in judgment.

Seth pushed her hair back to get a clear view of her beautiful face. Her gentle moan tantalized the beast. Must have, he taunted further.

As his fingers gently brushed her scalp, he felt her willingly absorb his magic as he accepted hers. The combined effect made him feel more conscious of every touch, every sensation, and every heartbeat. He also felt more in control while the icy chill of her power soothed both the savage beast and the intense flame inside his heart.

Natti’s eyelids closed, and her back arched to expose her small breasts when his hand inched closer to her lower abdomen. Her hips leaned into his, reawakening the beast’s primal urges. Seth used his leg and torso to gently flip Natti over, so her back was pressed firmly into the mattress.

Just so we’re clear, I always take the top. Period.

If you say so. Natti’s fingers twisted the fine hairs on the back of his neck. But you may change your mind after we give it a go.

Seth cradled her cheeks in his palms and brushed his lips over the tip of her nose. It isn’t up for negotiation. He placed a kiss on each of her eyelids, injecting a low dose of his charm. Especially since I’m the best at this.

When he pulled away, Natti rolled her eyes. You have such an ego.

Oh, come on. You have to admit it’s true. If sex was an Olympic sport—

A burst of laughter cut him off. Buffy would get the gold, but you would come in a close second.

Though Seth knew Natti was jerking his chain with the old television reference, a rumbling growl of annoyance radiated from deep inside his chest. Then it’s too bad Sarah Michelle Gellar isn’t here. We would blow the score off the charts.

Ew, Natti cringed. Isn’t she in her thirties?

So? I’ve been with older women before, he said, thinking of some of the servants in Set’s temple he had slept with as well as Kandi and Cynthia. He shifted Natti between his thighs. Her face was twisted in disgust and her eyes narrowed on his chest. Does that make you jealous?

Natti squirmed under him. Her eyes flickered to the lower left, and her fingers twitched. No, she lied through gritted teeth.

Seth smiled while physically holding back a triumphant laugh. Out of all the girls he had charmed, Natti was his ultimate achievement. She was blessed with a sliver of the feather of Ma‘at—the feather of truth—in her heart. He couldn’t trick or manipulate her, like everyone else. Yet from what he could tell, she had finally given into him, fully and completely. He crushed his mouth over hers in a deep, ravenous kiss. Natti arched her back when his hand pushed up her spine. He cupped the back of her head, entangling her long hair between his fingers. The beast growled while the flame’s heat rushed through Seth.

Good, because you shouldn’t be. I—

A sudden pain shot through Seth’s jaw, clenching it shut as pressure built in his chest. He groaned through his clenched teeth. Beads of sweat trickled across his brow while his arms became numb. The beast whimpered, withering in an unbearable pain as an invisible force sucked all the air out of Seth’s lungs.

Fuck, he hissed, launching himself away from Natti.

Natti’s eyes widened. Are you okay?

The pain easing, Seth rubbed his aching chest. Just peachy.

All he wanted to say was I love you, but even just thinking the words constricted his lungs once more. Natti’s fingers danced over his chest. The soothing chill of her power settled the frightened beast and cooled the heat of the flame. After a while, Seth’s system calmed enough to allow him to think about what occurred. His symptoms matched that of a severe panic attack. Yet, he never felt as sure about his feelings in his entire life as he did in that moment.

So, what the hell is holding me back?

Natti sighed and kissed his nose. I could use a shower.

Seth nodded and moved to the side to let her up, even though the beast wanted nothing more than to pull her back into the sheets. Seth propped himself on his elbow as Natti picked up her discarded Union Jack nightshirt and covered her exposed breasts with it. Influenced by the beast’s desires, Seth grabbed the dangling hem of the nightshirt and pulled it taut until Natti turned around.

Oi!

Seth sniggered. It’s a little late for modesty. Besides, what’s the rush? I was enjoying the view.

Her cheeks blushing once again, Natti tugged the nightshirt back toward her. Cheeky sod. After last night, I’m quite sure you’ve seen enough to fill your fancy.

Seth grabbed the soft fabric and dragged Natti closer to him. Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. It’ll never be enough.

A mischievous smile passed over Natti’s lips only a moment before she yanked the pillow out from under Seth and smacked him with it. Letting go of the nightshirt, he roared out a laugh despite himself. When he lowered the pillow from his face, he found Natti already halfway to the bathroom. He tossed the pillow back at her. It struck her arm, making her flinch and giggle.

TWO

Massaging the suds over her weary body, Natti mindlessly watched what little blood that stained her inner thighs trickle down the drain. Four weeks ago, when the students back at Setemple High School believed that she would fall victim to Seth O’Keefe’s charm, she did everything in her power to prove otherwise. But now, she understood what Mandy, a cheerleader at Setemple High School who had been taken by the Sons of Set, had meant about being hooked. Seth’s magic was like a living drug, addictive and mind altering. And despite Isis’s blessing making Natti conscious of the dangers, she wanted more. Even at that moment, she could hear the beast’s soft, hypnotic purrs arousing her temptation. It called to her, begging her to join it inside Seth’s heart. She would have to learn to guard herself. Because, after everything that happened in the past week, she knew her heart would be blinded by what it wanted to see.

Natti turned the shower off, stepped over the tub rim, and pulled a towel around her body. Opening the door, she stepped into the hallway to find it more sober than the thoughts in her head. Seth was out of bed, semi-dressed, and on his MacBook Pro at the desk. He shoved his hands through his copper hair and slowly balled them into fists while a tight frown mangled his beautiful full lips. Quietly walking up from behind, Natti peeked over his shoulder. A small video screen was running in front of his inbox. In the black and white image, a man continually thrusted himself into a young woman lying on a small cot. Though the sound was muted, Natti could imagine the moans, groans, and shrieks coming from the speakers. Her stomach lurched when the woman in the video abruptly arched her spine enough to reveal her face.

Mandy’s sunk her nails into Sean’s bare back. Her mouth hung open while her dilated eyes looked out into the distance in a lifeless gaze. Natti collapsed onto the bed, pulled her knees to her chest, and rocked back and forth to calm the bile rising in her throat.

Seth, she choked.

Seth jumped in his chair, paused the video, and turned to her. Natti, I—I didn’t mean for you— He rubbed the was scepter tattoo on the back of his neck.

With the video image still looping through Natti’s thoughts, it took a moment before she could finally break the silence between them. Is . . . Is that what your charm does when we’re . . . ?

Seth shook his head. She’s under the influence of the fertility potion.

Fertility potion? Natti asked, her limbs trembling.

Seth groaned. Like our god, Set, Blessed Sons of Set are not typically fertile. His cheeks turned a slight pink. So, the night a Son chooses a wife, she’s given a fertility potion like the one Set confiscated from Nephthys when she wanted a child for herself. It ensures that the woman will conceive a child—a future son—in a matter of hours.

A shiver shot down Natti’s spine as goose bumps paraded across her skin. She glanced at the frozen picture of Mandy on the screen. The cheerleader’s empty gaze chilled the temperature of the room.

Why were you even watching that video?

Seth shrugged before letting his shoulders go slack. I didn’t realize what it was until I opened it. He rubbed his face and looked at the screen of the MacBook Pro. The bastard sent it as proof of what he said last night. He really did kill my mother and took Mandy to be his next wife.

Though Seth’s expression remained hard as stone, Natti could tell he was hurting inside. She would be hurting too if her father had murdered her mother the same way Sean had murdered Michelle. The mattress sunk beside her, and Seth’s hand brushed over her back. The gentle touch eased Natti’s emotions, and she uncurled herself to let Seth take her into his arms.

I won’t let him touch you. I swear it.

Natti gulped. She knew Seth was sincere, but she couldn’t rely on his protection forever. Seth was only one eighteen-year-old against the entire Sons of Set. And his father was by far the worst. There had to be something she could do to protect herself.

Teach me, she said unexpectedly between a couple dry, silent heaves.

When she looked up at Seth, his brow rose. Teach you what?

Anything. Everything, she continued, and then narrowed her sights. Whatever will help me defend myself against the Sons: spells, weapons, martial arts . . . everything!

I already taught you how to use a gun. A weak smile crossed his lips. In more ways than one.

Natti ignored him, determined to see her thought through. It might not be enough. I don’t want to be cornered, like we were yesterday. I don’t want to feel helpless and weak when I see your father or the Sons. I want to be able to fight back.

Seth’s brow crinkled. I don’t really want you involved—

I am involved! I’m the reason for all this. She glanced at the MacBook Pro. I’m the Secret Keeper. They’re looking for me, and now the flail as well. Who says the next time we’ll even be able to . . . ? She let her voice trail off, not wanting to finish that thought.

Seth stiffened in the long silence; his mind clearly occupied. Natti silently prayed that he wouldn’t deny her this chance. She had to do something other than run and hide. Her hand slipped to Seth’s bare chest, and Natti sensed the beast under her palm. It was pacing back and forth while its tension radiated through a low, threatening growl. Her magic, an icy chill along her fingertips, seeped into Seth’s skin. Seth shivered while the beast suddenly relaxed.

All right. I’ll teach you. Seth’s thumb massaged little circles into Natti’s skin as his magic worked its way into her mind. The gentle tingling sensation wiped away the last of Natti’s fears, and she nestled deeper into Seth’s arms. Just not today. We deserve a break after everything we’ve been through.

Natti silently agreed with a yawn. Shouldn’t we keep moving?

She felt Seth shift and heard the fluffing of a pillow behind them. I think it’s safe to say my father is off licking his wounds from last night. He guided her back until her head was next to his. We can sleep here tonight, and then continue on the road tomorrow.

Where will we go?

Seth’s jawline tightened. His gaze fell on the screen of the MacBook Pro while his brilliant turquoise eyes brightened. Brushing a strand of hair from her face, he kissed Natti’s forehead.

I know the perfect place.

THREE

Nearly yanking the door off its hinges, Ky glanced one last time at Q’s text message before he marched inside the empty café. The old daisy-yellow wallpaper and the rundown booths made Ky’s skin crawl and his muscles tense. This was Seth’s place. He’d always come to the old café whenever he needed to get away from his father, the hem-netjer. Ky could still even picture Seth sitting in the corner booth, alone, and staring into space. The hairs on the back of Ky’s neck bristled, and the beast snarled within his heart. The last thing he wanted was to be reminded of his traitorous ex-friend. Not after all the shit Seth had put both Ky and Q through.

Ky? a sweet, high-pitch voice whispered.

Ky turned to look at Kandi, the local barista who Seth had slept with once or twice. Ky had to admit, the slightly older romance nerd was cute. Probably not bad in bed either, though Seth had dropped her quicker than any girl he had ever slept with. Ky never bothered to ask why. It was none of his business, and he honestly couldn’t care less.

Kandi’s raspberry-colored lips trembled. Have you heard from Seth? Is he still with that British trash he ran away with?

Ky shifted his stiff shoulders and cracked his thick neck. Don’t you think if I knew anything, I would’ve said?

It was a lie, of course. The Sons had been tracking Seth for a while, and even cornered him in Death Valley just to have him slip from their grasp again. Ky was there, wrestling with one of the sphinxes that came to life in the hidden tomb under the Grandstand. His muscles still ached from the effort.

Kandi’s eyes brimmed with tears before she pointed to a booth. Yeah, okay, whatever. Q is over there. She sniffed, then rubbed her nose with the back of her wrist. I’ll bring you some coffee and put it on Seth’s tab.

Ky nodded his thanks and walked over to the booth, still wondering what Q wanted to talk about. In all the years they had been friends, Ky never saw Q in such a state. He was slumped over his coffee with dark circles under his dull onyx-colored eyes. His dark hair was oily and pulled in every direction, and his wrinkled clothes were the same clothing from the day before.

Ky flopped onto the bench, which squeaked and caved under his weight. I wish people would let the whole Seth and Brit-chick situation drop. I get enough of it at school, especially from Geek Girl and her cohorts. They just won’t shut up!

Q moaned and pushed away his thick glasses to rub his weary eyes. What did you expect? The most popular kid disappeared with the new girl for no apparent reason after he saved her from an unexplained fire at the school. Shortly after which, her father vanished into thin air before the Sons could get their hands on him. The whole thing is screwed up. Rumors are going to spread.

Yeah, but why do we get left with the mess? A grin spread across Ky’s lips as Kandi placed a mug of black coffee in front of him before returning to the cash register. He grabbed six sugar packs, tore them all open at once, and dumped the contents into the thick liquid. "At least there are some benefits. Even being partnered with Geek Girl in gym isn’t all bad. I know this sounds weird, but ever since your party, I can’t help wondering what she looks like naked. I mean, can Geek Girl become Super Freak Girl in bed? That would totally be awesome!"

Q’s shoulders dropped even farther, and his head bowed over his coffee mug. Ky tilted his head and studied him. Hey, dude, if you want to bang Geek Girl—

It’s not that. Q pushed his glasses up his nose. Everything around us—Seth, the Sons, our lives—is changing and still all you think about is sex. Do you ever think of anything else?

Ky shrugged. Football, drugs, beer . . . When he didn’t get a laugh out of Q, he leaned forward, becoming more serious. Is that what’s got you down, dude? Shit, man. Ky rubbed his chin with a halfhearted laugh. Maybe you should take two of your father’s happy pills and call me in the morning.

Q’s eyes cut through Ky. I’m leaving Setemple.

The room became silent as if Ky’s ears suddenly stopped working. Wh-what? he choked.

Q rubbed his forehead. I said, ‘I’m leaving Setemple.’

Ky’s muscles tensed to the point that the coffee mug’s handle broke in his grasp. What the fuck, bro! Q held up his hands to signal to keep it down, which Ky did, but it didn’t stop the pain he felt inside. It was like Q just shoved a blade into his chest. Ky placed the broken handle next to the napkin dispenser. You can’t be serious.

I am, Q whispered, his lips thinning into a serious frown. And I’m asking you to come with me.

Ky’s head was spinning like a top. Why would I want to leave?

Q glanced around the empty café. "Dude, did you not hear the hem-netjer last night? He’s going to raise Set. He’s already gotten one package. How much longer do you think before he has the others? Q dragged his palms through his hair. We’re lucky the hem-netjer let us off as easy as he did. But Set—he’s our god, and we let Seth and the Secret Keeper escape."

An incredulous laugh bubbled out of Ky’s throat. You’re paranoid, bro. You know that, right? Set won’t punish us. He’s going to need every able Blessed there is.

Q’s eyes widened, then narrowed. He leaned forward. Don’t be an idiot. I know what I’m talking about. I know deep down in my heart. He’ll kill us both for our betrayal and incompetence, if not worse.

Since when do you listen to your heart? You couldn’t even pass psychology.

Q slammed his fist on the table. His shoulders twitched, and his face turned red. Psychology has nothing to do with this. I am using logic. Set doesn’t need us. He doesn’t need anyone. He’s a god! And he sure wouldn’t care if he lost two teenage Blessed when he has the entire world trembling at his feet. He shot up and poked Ky in the middle of his forehead. Think, man. Use that head for something other than a target in football practice.

The beast growled while Ky, himself, had to fight the urge to break all Q’s fingers. You want to run? Fine. Seth was right. It’s what you do best.

I don’t like this any more than you do. Q sat back down in his seat. But we’re screwed, bro.

We? Seth was the one who tricked us and took off, Ky snapped. He inhaled a long deep breath. Not our fault, man. Besides, if we play our cards right—he puffed out his chest and shoved his thumb toward his heart—maybe Set will even reward us for bringing the bastard in.

Q sputtered a hateful laugh. Bullshit.

Ky cracked his knuckles, then shoved himself off the bench. "We’ll see. Set is rising, and there’s nothing in this world that can stop him and our hem-netjer from finding Ra’s secret name. So, while you and that backstabbing jackass run like two scaredy cats, I’ll be working my way up his ranks."

Q’s beige skin tone turned purple. Whatever. I thought I’d give you a chance, but if you want to be the idiot you are, be my guest.

Fine, I will.

Fine.

Fine. Ky slammed his fists into the table, leaving two dents in the metal, and stood up. He was about to storm off when something gnawed at him. A faint sense of guilt, which he hadn’t felt since his indoctrination and his